Akai AA-5200 (1973?)
A Japanese solid-state pre-main amplifier from the early 1970s with modular IC-discrete hybrid design and global voltage support.
Overview
The Akai AA-5200 is a solid-state pre-main amplifier built around 1973, integrating both preamplifier and power amplifier functions into a single chassis. It delivers 30W + 30W continuous power into 4Ω loads (20W + 20W into 8Ω), with music power rated at 80W (4Ω) and 60W (8Ω). Designed for international use, it features a 6-step switchable power supply that supports 100–240 VAC at either 50 or 60 Hz. Measuring 432 mm wide, 143 mm high, and 330 mm deep, and weighing 9.0 kg, the unit combines 15 transistors, 8 diodes, 2 varistors, and 4 integrated circuits in its construction. The phono stage uses a two-stage IC circuit with RIAA equalization accurate to ±1 dB, while the power amplifier employs a SEPP-ITL-OTL design with full direct coupling across all stages to minimize signal loss and preserve fidelity.
Design
The AA-5200’s circuitry blends discrete components and integrated circuits, with the phono preamp based on a directly coupled two-stage IC configuration. The power amp section uses a SEPP-ITL-OTL topology, also fully direct-coupled, which was an advanced design choice for its time aimed at reducing phase distortion and maintaining signal integrity. It includes bass and treble controls adjustable by ±10 dB at 100 Hz and 10 kHz respectively, along with a loudness compensation switch that boosts lows by +7 dB and highs by +4 dB at -30 dB volume. A muting switch is included, as well as high- and low-pass filters: the high-pass cuts below 50 Hz at -12 dB/octave, and the low-pass attenuates above 10 kHz at -12 dB/octave with -7 dB insertion loss. The amplifier offers both DIN and pin connectors, allowing two tape decks to be connected simultaneously or enabling standalone use of the preamplifier section.
Market
Priced at ¥43,500 around 1973, the AA-5200 was positioned as a high-quality, globally compatible amplifier. It achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 65 dB on phono inputs and 80 dB on AUX, with residual noise under 1.5 mV. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 50 kHz (-3 dB), and bandwidth reaches 45 kHz at 0.8% distortion (IHF). Channel separation is 60 dB at 1 kHz for both phono and AUX inputs, and total harmonic distortion is no more than 0.1% across the operating range.
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